Nov 5

Nov 5 DIY: Dreidel necklace

Sharing Hanukkah smiles with a happy dreidel necklace

If you’ve ever scrolled through my blog, you might notice a familiar theme - many DIY projects have a happy face! I love including smiles on all kinds of crafts. They make everything so cute, friendly, and well, happy! In Hebrew, the word happy is sameach. In fact being happy, cheerful and warm hearted is even a Jewish value - Sayver Panim Yafot.

To spread smiles and happiness this Hanukkah, we’re making colorful dreidel necklaces. Not only is this the happiest Hanukkah craft, when we pair it with pony beads, it’s also wonderful for the fine motor development of little fingers.

We used paint chips from our local home improvement store to make these cuties. My daughter and I started collecting paint chips a few years ago, and they’re just the right size and so colorful for small paper crafts. I love that the bottom half of this particular paint chip brand (Lowes Sherwin Williams) already has a dreidel shape.

Older children should be able to cut their own dreidel and littles can draw a happy face, thread the necklace cord and string the beads. I think this would be a lovely family activity for one of the eight nights of Hanukkah. So let’s go make a happy dreidel necklace.

Dreidel Necklace

2.5” x 5 “inch rectangle of cardstock (we used paint chips, but you can also cut the rectangle from a cereal box or another sturdy paper)
Black and pink markers
36” piece of yarn or string
Beads - pony beads, paper beads, fabric flowers
Scissors
Hole punch

Here’s how to make a happy dreidel necklace:

1. Cut a dreidel from cardstock or paint chips.

2. Draw a happy face.

3. Punch 2 holes near the top.

4. Gather your beads and thread the necklace cord through the holes.

5. String the beads and flowers.

Add as many beads as you would like, and that’s it! A super sweet and happy dreidel necklace!

During Hanukkah, our happiness and joy increases each night as we light an additional candle on the menorah, and we hope these little dreidel necklaces will bring even more happiness and warmth into your Hanukkah celebrations.

Do you have any special plans for Hanukkah this year? Let us know in the comments, and let us know if you make a happy dreidel necklace! For even more Hanukkah smiles, see our DIY felt menorah and puffy dreidel necklace, and if you’re looking for more activities to do with your family during Hanukkah, we’re celebrating with: